Gris Grimly and The Halloween Tree

Gris Grimly is my favorite artist.

That’s an easy statement.

His work is dark, creepy, and Gothic, yet strangely whimsical and nostalgic. This dynamic is the reason Gris has illustrated (and written) numerous children’s books. So when Creature Features announced that they would be hosting a signing with the horror artist in their quaint little shop, 433 people immediately RSVPed.

I was first exposed to Gris’s art at San Diego Comic Con in 2010 at the Van Eaton Gallery booth. The piece that caught my eye was entitled The Thing on the Road to Nowhere. Actually, I’m sure it would catch anyone’s eye, the thing is monstrous: 18.75″ by a whopping 50″. The painting revealed a serene scene: a man (or a creature, I’m still not sure) standing on a road lined by wooden posts, seemingly lost in thought. The sky was blue, the clouds were white. It looked innocent enough.

Then I heard the real story. I was told that Gris had dreams of this man, a man on the road to his own personal hell, haunted by the faces of all the children he had murdered. So I looked closer, and then I saw it: the faces of all the children he had murdered. Looking closer at the painting, sketched lightly in pencil was the thirteen faces of small children and babies. This painting was far from innocent–it was haunting.

I bought the painting, and have been a huge fan of his work ever since. I’ve commissioned a few works from him, and started reading his books, seeing his film work, and watching his art. So this art show and signing was not to be missed.

Gris recently illustrated The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury–a tale of eight trick or treaters who embark on a journey through space and time to learn the true origins of Halloween. It’s truly a magical book that children and adults can both enjoy, especially those with a taste for Halloween, and Gris’s style perfectly compliments the subject matter and style of the book. Most of the art is black and white, but there are a handful of full color images scattered throughout. The book is well worth the money for those who are interested in the art, the story, or just want something to share with their children.

We arrived half an hour prior to the signing and a significant line had already formed. By 2pm (when the signing began), the line had filled every aisle of the store. However, when we reached the front, Gris was very receptive and chatted with us about our appreciation of his art. He took his time to sign each book with a personalization, and even a unique sketch of a pumpkin for each guest. Some people had two books as well, and he spent the same time on each.

Following the signing, we were led into a small gallery where all of the originals Gris drew for the book adorned the wall. As any good Halloween show should, there was also a basket of skittles and starbursts and bottled water at the front too. The Halloween Tree animated flick played on a TV, and a large display case was filled with the original book, original art, and masks that Gris had use for inspiration. The standout piece was the cover of the book–a gorgeous watercolor of the boys under the Halloween Tree. It was a rare chance to get an original from him, so I went for it and purchased it. Money well spent to support an artist who I enjoy.

I ran into him once more and told him I had purchased the original. He was very gracious, told me he was happy it was going to a good home, and then told me to hold on a second. He returned with a small Halloween drawing of a masked trick or treater with his shoes untied. It was a beautiful piece, and that kind of generosity and service to his customers is what keeps me coming back.

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The show runs through Sunday, August 23rd, 2015. Do yourself a favor and check it out. The art is something that needs to be appreciated in person, and the book is worth a buy. And while you’re out there, make a day of it and visit Halloween Town across the street and Bearded Lady one block over. Halloween is definitely everyday on Magnolia Street.